What makes a good objective?

Now that you have identified the need for your project, it is time to develop clear and concise
objectives based on what you want to achieve. Developing good project objectives is the backbone
of all good projects. Afterall, if you dont know where you are going, how are you going to know
when you get there?
Objectives are not a list of the activities you will be undertaking. Rather, objectives focus on the
outcomes and allow you to measure your success. Objectives are clear statements that describe
what you want to achieve. The activities are the key steps you will take in order to achieve the
objectives.
Your project objectives should be linked to the overall program objectives under which your project
is funded. Objectives should be developed for each key issue being addressed by a project, rather
than a single overall objective for the project. There shouldnt be overlap in objectives for projects
with multiple objectives. If you have the same or similar activities occurring under more than one
objective then you should consider combining those into a single objective.

The SMART objectives writing principle is a great tool to assist in developing objectives.
Specific:
Objectives should be clear, well defined and unambiguous. Each objective should be focussed on
one key outcome.
Measurable:
Objectives should be measurable so that you can demonstrate it has been achieved. If an
objective is not measurable, it is not possible to know whether you are on track and have achieved
the objective at project completion.
Attainable:
Objectives should be realistic and achievable. Agreement and commitment from relevant
stakeholders is a must to ensure objectives can be reached.
Resourced:
Objectives should be suitably resourced. Resources include access to individuals with relevant
skills and knowledge as well as the necessary tools.
Time bound:
Objectives should be achieved within a certain timeframe. This ensures commitment to a deadline
so you know where you want to get to and by when.

Your objectives should be outcomes focussed on what you want to achieve rather than
what you have to do
What makes a good objective?

Here are a few examples of bad vs good objectives:

Examples of poor objectives
Install 1,000 plants

Examples of good objectives

Create a 1,000m riparian corridor and link two
ecologically significant bushlands for local
native fauna transit in the Blue Mountains Park.
Remove weeds
Reduce woody weed cover to less than 5% in
2,000m of degraded vegetation in Blue
Mountains Park.
Run a workshop
Educate 100 local residents in the Blue
Mountains region on how to prevent and restore
degraded vegetation in Blue Mountains Park.
Install a sign
Increase the awareness of 500 people visiting
Blue Mountains Park on the environmental and
cultural significance of the Park.
Create a website that is appealing for all age Educate and create behaviour change in 2,000
groups
25-35 year olds on ways to reduce carbon
emissions through an interactive website.
Expansion of partnerships and networks
Develop partnerships with 20 local businesses
and reduce those businesses waste to landfill
by 20%.
Improved environmental education with tools To increase environmental education of 100
and strategies
local Parramatta residents on the benefits of
recycling and reducing waste through 10
community workshops.
Raise awareness of the issue of climate change To raise awareness on the issue of climate
change of Year 7 students in five Inner-Western
Sydney schools by promoting the availability of
online learning resources via social media.
Improve awareness of conservation issues
Educate 1,000 households within Blacktown
Council on ways to reduce energy and water
usage by 10%.
The examples of poor objectives do not provide much detail. They do not adhere to the SMART
objectives writing principle. You will also notice they are not outcomes focused and some would be
better suited as activities which will be undertaken in order to contribute to the achievement of the
objective. Others could become objectives but more specific detail is required. The examples of the
good objectives describe the degree to which change is expected and are outcome focussed.

Use the SMART method to develop your objectives, ensure your objectives are outcome
focussed and are linked to the program objectives

NSW Environmental Trust

PO Box 644, PARRAMATTA 2124
Phone: (02) 8837 6093
E-mail:info@environmentaltrust.nsw.gov.au

ISBN 978 1 74293 073 2

OEH 2011/0846
Published December 2011

What makes a good objective?